Summary
The applicant, a 28-year-old defense contractor and former U.S. Marine, sought security clearance under Guideline F due to financial issues stemming from a divorce and unemployment. Despite admitting to several delinquent debts, the applicant demonstrated a commitment to repayment and that her financial difficulties were largely beyond her control. The judge granted eligibility for access to classified information, finding that the applicant's financial issues no longer raised concerns about her reliability or trustworthiness.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: delinquent credit card charged off in the approximate amount of $10,226 (1.a). delinquent automobile loan charged off in the approximate amount of $10,122 (1.b). delinquent credit card loan charged off in the approximate amount of $5,104 (1.c). delinquent loan charged off in the approximate amount of $10,122 (1.d). delinquent account placed in collection in the approximate amount of $1,820 (1.e). delinquent automobile loan charged off in the approximate amount of $1,684 (1.f). delinquent account charged off in the approximate amount of $450 (1.g). delinquent utility account charged off in the approximate amount of $394 (1.h). delinquent consumer account charged off in the approximate amount of $5,798 (1.i).
The judge granted the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c). The judge applied mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), AG ¶ 20(d). The decision turned on the following: The applicant demonstrated a commitment to repaying her debts through regular monthly payments; Financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, including a divorce and unemployment; The applicant's financial situation improved with the receipt of veteran's disability payments.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant demonstrated a commitment to repaying her debts through regular monthly payments.
- Financial difficulties were largely due to circumstances beyond her control, including a divorce and unemployment.
- The applicant's financial situation improved with the receipt of veteran's disability payments.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)appliedInability to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)appliedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the adjudicative guidelines.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 4, 2022
- Answer filedSep 9, 2022
- Hearing heldJul 8, 2023
- Decision dateJul 24, 2023
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Issues Under Guideline F
- Consideration of Circumstances Beyond an Applicant's Control
- Demonstration of Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Debts